Senior Ethan Lizak stood on top of the podium last March in Hershey wearing the gold medal for winning the state championship at the 113-pound weight class.

"He leads by example," said head coach Ryan Nunamaker. "Ethan is a hard worker in the room and his work ethic is contagious. He set the bar so high for our program. If they continue to work and do the things they're supposed to, it is possible to reach those goals of winning state titles and even wrestling in college."

The Trojans will be in good hands with Lizak returning, but they will also have to fill voids left by the graduations of some seniors who have been a major part of the program for four years.

"Every year you lose some great leadership in your program," said Nunamaker. "Losing Ian Evans, Grady Millick and Shaun Heist hurts us, but it gives our younger guys an opportunity to step up and fill those roles."

Some of the wrestlers returning with valuable experience and success include Nezar and Omar Haddad, Josh Ortman, Jacob Lizak, Billy Hoh and Nathan Christman.

Nunamaker also highlighted some newer wrestlers who will make contributions to the program. Jareed Hasan at 138, who Nunamaker credited for working hard and finally getting his shot to crack the lineup. Freshman Frank Guida is going to make his impact on the program in the middle weights.

Parkland always faces stiff competition in the Lehigh Valley Conference and District 11. This year is no different, and Nunamaker is looking to get his newer wrestlers adjusted to the varsity lineups.

"We start off with Easton next week already, and then have Nazareth the following week," said Nunamaker.

"We have two of our biggest dual meets right off the bat this year. I think it just gives us an opportunity to see who and where we are and what we need to improve upon throughout the year. We know where we want to be at the end of the year, but early in the year doesn't really determine anything."

Parkland hosts Easton on December 11.